The Sikharas over the Shiva shrine which is situated in
the cave underneath

The Gavi
Gangadhareshwara cave Temple in Bangalore

One of Bangalores and Indias oldest
and very famous cave temples, the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple
was built inside a natural cave in Gavipuram by Kempegowda in
the 16th century. Legend has it that Kempegowda built this
temple in gratitude after being released from his five year
imprisonment by Rama Raya.

The
highlights in this temple are the granite pillars, two of which
support huge discs representing the sun and the moon, while the
other two are topped by a Nandi and a trident.

Devotees gather here during the Makar
Sankranti festival in January to witness a unique phenomenon -
the evening sun's rays passing between Nandi's horns and falling
directly on the Shiva Linga in the shrine inside the cave.

The temple is situated apr. 2km west
of Lalbach Garden and is open daily.

The temple compound
Inside the temple grounds with discs representing the sun or the moon

The temple yard with Nandi, Damaruga (drum), the
sun and moon discs

Trisula in solid granite from the 16th century

Sapta Nagaras - a seven Cobra snake ornament for
idols

Sign at the main entrance telling the story and
significance of the temple

Inside the Gavi
Gangadhareshwara cave Temple

Main Shiva shrine with the inner passage
around the shrine.
The shrine is closed with a curtain awaiting Mangal Arati.

The long passage around the mainshrine
with Saptamatrika, Sri Devi and Bhudevi idols installed